Thread: Starter solenoid advice

Regarding your key, I couldn't say what effect that might have. But it was relatively easy to check the solenoid without removing the starter. I did it laying on my back on a dirt driveway without jacking the vehicle up, at night using a headlamp. If you just undo the solenoid cover bolts, 8mm socket or spanner, then remove the solenoid plunger, you will see the contacts. One of them will be eroded way more than the other if this is the problem. What happens at this stage of wear is that the disc on the solenoid plunger cannot make contact with both contacts anymore due to the excessive wear on one side. It will be very obvious to see and will only take you 5 minutes to do. Remember to disconnect starting battery first.

Thankyou I'll check it this way! Much easier than pulling the whole starter out.

Originally Posted by bennybeachbum

Regarding your key, I couldn't say what effect that might have. But it was relatively easy to check the solenoid without removing the starter. I did it laying on my back on a dirt driveway without jacking the vehicle up, at night using a headlamp. If you just undo the solenoid cover bolts, 8mm socket or spanner, then remove the solenoid plunger, you will see the contacts. One of them will be eroded way more than the other if this is the problem. What happens at this stage of wear is that the disc on the solenoid plunger cannot make contact with both contacts anymore due to the excessive wear on one side. It will be very obvious to see and will only take you 5 minutes to do. Remember to disconnect starting battery first.